Students of the University of The Gambia (UTG) recently staged a protest at the Kanifing Campus to press authorities for urgent action to address what they describe as "deteriorating conditions" at the institution's Faraba Campus. The demonstration was driven by frustration over persistent shortages of food and water, inadequate transportation services, poor sanitation facilities, and unreliable internet connectivity. These challenges, students say, have severely disrupted their academic life.
The protesters carried placards with messages such as "No Food at the Cafeteria, We Are Suffering, Enough is Enough" and "Stop Sidelining SMAHS, We Are Part of the University Community". Despite assurances from government officials that steps were being taken to address the concerns, students remained resolute in their demonstration. They insisted that previous promises had yielded little tangible improvement, prompting them to continue the protest.
Following the protest, the students, through their Students' Union President, Ismaila Fadera, presented a petition to the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez. The Minister visited the Kanifing Campus to engage with demonstrators and reaffirm the government's commitment to resolving the challenges confronting students. Student leaders highlighted the severity of the situation, citing instances where some students go without adequate meals from morning until evening.
The students also face difficulties attending lectures due to transportation constraints between campuses. They argued that the situation has reached a critical stage, with some students reportedly missing lectures and examinations as a result of the ongoing challenges. The protest underscores growing concerns among the student body over living and learning conditions at the Faraba Campus.
Government officials made last-minute commitments aimed at easing the crisis, including restoring catering services, improving access to water and internet facilities, and deploying 20 buses to strengthen transportation services. However, protesters maintained that assurances alone were no longer sufficient. They emphasized that weeks of complaints and appeals have failed to produce meaningful results.
The continuing protest highlights the students' demand for urgent action to guarantee access to essential services and create a conducive environment for learning across the university's campuses. Demonstrators called for the immediate implementation of promised interventions rather than further pledges. As the protest continued, students reiterated their resolve to continue until concrete action is taken.
The situation at UTG has sparked concerns over the welfare of students and the overall learning environment. With the government's assurances yet to yield tangible results, students remain determined to press for change. The outcome of the protest and the government's response will likely have a significant impact on the academic life of students at UTG.
Key points
- Students at the University of The Gambia protested over deteriorating campus conditions, including food and water shortages and inadequate transportation services.
- Despite government assurances, students insisted on continuing the protest, citing a lack of tangible improvements.
- The protest highlights the need for urgent action to address the challenges facing students at UTG.
